Must Read News

Sumit Jamuar assumes the role of Chairman at Rainforest Partnership

Sumit Jamuar, a British-Indian biotech trailblazer, has been appointed as the Chairman of Rainforest Partnership, a US-based climate action non-profit, effective from January 5, 2024. This announcement coincided with World Rainforest Day on June 22, 2023, where Jamuar, an IIT Delhi alumnus, was already serving as the vice chair and board member since December 2022. Graduating in 1999 with a B Tech degree, Jamuar co-founded Global Gene Corp and served as its Chairman and CEO from July 2012 to May 2022. With a diverse background, he also contrib ..... Read More

Indian-American Scientist Sponsors Award to Commemorate JC Bose

Mani Bhaumik, a philanthropic physicist originally from India and now residing in the United States, has graciously donated one million US dollars to honor the often overlooked contributions of Indian scientist J C Bose, who played a key role in the development of wireless telegraphy. This generous donation will fund an esteemed award known as the IEEE Jagadish Chandra Bose Medal in Wireless Communications. The purpose of this award is to recognize and commend promising young scientists, with the inaugural awards ceremony scheduled to commence ..... Read More

CSU Long Beach Taps Shivani Bothra for Jain Studies Chair

California State University, Long Beach, has introduced a new endowed chair of Jain Studies within the Department of Religious Studies, allowing students to delve into the intricacies of Jainism. Dr. Shivani Bothra has been appointed as the assistant professor and the Bhagwan Suvidhinath Endowed Chair in Jain Studies, marking a significant development for the university. Expressing her thoughts on the appointment, Bothra emphasized the Department of Religious Studies’ acknowledgment of Jainism’s profound impact on the study of religions. She h ..... Read More

The American Diabetes Association welcomes three to board

From left to right – Dr Rita Rastogi Kalyani, Dr Mandeep Bajaj, Dr Madi Rajulapalli The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has unveiled its 2024 list of principal officers and board of directors, featuring three accomplished Indian-origin professionals. Dr. Mandeep Bajaj, President of Medicine and Science, is a professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, where he also serves as the Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs in the department of medicine. Dr. Bajaj, recognized with the ADA’s Outstanding Physician-Clinician award, holds a medical ..... Read More

U.S. Mission in India Supports Conservation Efforts for Mysuru Museum

Image – US Embassy in India On January 4, the U.S. Mission in India, in collaboration with the University of Mysore, officially revealed U.S.-funded conservation initiatives for the Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion Folklore Museum in Karnataka. The project, supported by the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), targets the West Wing of the museum and over 6,500 artifacts from Karnataka. The University of Mysore, partnering with the Deccan Heritage Foundation, leads the restoration efforts expected to conclude in 2025. Christopher W. ..... Read More

Chinese media: India adopts powerful strategy under PM Modi

In an article titled “Bharat Narrative,” China’s state-controlled Global Times, authored by Zhang Jiadong, Director of the Centre for South Asian Studies at Fudan University, Shanghai, praises India’s economic policies and diplomatic achievements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership over the past four years. The article acknowledges India’s robust economic growth, improvements in urban governance, and a notable shift in attitude towards international relations, particularly with China. It highlights India’s evolving stance on the t ..... Read More

ISRO and Elon Musk’s SpaceX form a partnership

In a bid to revolutionize satellite technology, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is gearing up for the launch of GSAT-20, a communication satellite weighing 4.7 tons. While ISRO works on developing a rocket capable of lifting over four tons, it has joined forces with SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, to utilize the Falcon-9 rocket for GSAT-20, scheduled for launch in the second quarter of 2024. The primary objective of GSAT-20 is to provide high throughput satellite (HTS) services in the Ka-Ka band at an affordable rate. These services ta ..... Read More

LLP and Company Registrations Surge, Signaling Economic Optimism

In the initial three quarters of FY24, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) saw a remarkable 54% year-on-year surge, contrasting sharply with the modest 4% increase in company registrations during the same period, according to official data. A senior government official attributed this substantial growth in LLP registrations to the resilient prospects of services exports, which have remained strong despite a slowdown in global goods shipments amid a worldwide economic deceleration. Additionally, the official noted a noteworthy resurgence in d ..... Read More

ICRA forecasts 9-11% FY24 growth driven by new launches and US recovery

Indian pharmaceutical companies are projected to experience a revenue expansion of 9-11% in the fiscal year 2024, as indicated by a recent report from credit rating agency ICRA. The expected growth is linked to a resurgence in the US market, strategic acquisitions, and the introduction of new products. The crucial US market is anticipated to contribute 11-13% to the overall growth in FY2024. Despite brief challenges from price controls and weather uncertainties, the domestic market is forecasted to grow by 7-9% in FY2024, fueled by price hikes ..... Read More

Ayodhya Ram Temple event: Police strategize routes and bolster security

The upcoming consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22, has prompted a meeting chaired by the Lucknow Joint Commissioner of Police. During the gathering, discussions revolved around alternative routes and security arrangements for the event, with a focus on ensuring a smooth journey to Ayodhya. Presently, the primary route to Ayodhya is through Kamta to Chinhat Matiyari via Barabanki, but the utilization of the alternative Sultanpur route has declined. In response, efforts are being made to raise awareness ab ..... Read More

University of Pennsylvania Names Ramanan Raghavendran as Board Chair

Ramanan Raghavendran has recently assumed the position of chair of the University of Pennsylvania’s board of trustees, succeeding Scott L. Bok, who held the role from July 2021 until stepping down in December 2023. As an alum of Penn, Raghavendran is the managing partner and co-founder of Amasia, a global venture capital firm with a focus on climate and sustainability. Penn’s interim president, J. Larry Jameson, commended the appointment, emphasizing Raghavendran’s three Penn degrees, extensive university engagement, and leadership roles. Juli ..... Read More

Indian-American ex-USAID chief appointed to New York Fed Board

Dr. Rajiv Shah, the Indian-American president of the Rockefeller Foundation, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The Federal Reserve System’s Board of Governors designated Shah as a Class C director, serving a three-year term until December 31, 2026. This role entails representing the public’s interests, according to a statement from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Leading The Rockefeller Foundation since 2017, Shah has been dedicated to advancing global well-being. Before his foundation ..... Read More

Indian-American ex-Google exec, Nikesh Arora, now in Bloomberg Billionaires Index

Nikesh Arora, CEO and chairman of Palo Alto Networks Inc., boasting a net worth of $1.5 billion, recently made an entry into the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Education and Early Life Born on February 9, 1968, in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, Arora, an Indian-American business executive, investor, and entrepreneur, completed his schooling at The Air Force School. He pursued Electrical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, BHU, Varanasi, followed by a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Northeastern University and a Master of ..... Read More

Jasmin Bhandari Earns Nomination for LA Times Women’s Awards

Jasmin Bhandari / image Scali Rasmussen Jasmin Bhandari, principal at Scali Rasmussen, has been nominated for the ‘Inspirational Women Awards’ by the Los Angeles Times, celebrating her outstanding leadership in employment law. The law firm’s managing shareholder, Christian Scali, commended Bhandari’s dedication, noting that her selection reflects her commitment and proficiency in the field. Scali emphasized that Bhandari’s recognition not only brings pride to the law firm but also validates the exceptional assistance she provides to clients. ..... Read More

Report: India’s Video Industry Records $13 Billion in Revenue in 2023

A recent report by Media Partners Asia (MPA) reveals that India’s video industry revenues have surged to US$ 13 billion, surpassing Korea and Australia but trailing behind China and Japan in the Asia-Pacific region. The forecast anticipates further growth, reaching US$ 17 billion by 2028. In 2023, the Asia-Pacific video sector experienced a 5.5% growth, amounting to US$ 145 billion. Notably, online video sales demonstrated a significant 13% increase, totaling US$ 57 billion. In contrast, TV revenues exhibited modest growth, just under 1%, aggr ..... Read More

Global Donations for Ram Mandir Development Open to Indian and Non-Indian Passport Holders

Members holding either Indian or non-Indian passports are now permitted to make contributions to the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth website. Social activist Prem Bhandari had urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enable the global Indian diaspora to support the Ram Temple’s development. Expressing gratitude to PM Modi, Bhandari emphasized the historic significance of the upcoming Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22. This marks a unique opportunity for Indian devotees worldwide to contribute to the temple’s construction, creating a con ..... Read More

Ayodhya’s All-Inclusive Guest List Signals Sangh’s Second Ram Mandir Movement

On January 22, Ayodhya will witness the Pran Pratishtha or consecration ceremony of the Ram temple, boasting a guest list meticulously curated to include representatives from over 150 communities across the country. Regarded as the second “Ram Mandir Andolan” by the Sangh Parivar, this event aims to unite Hindu society, transcending caste divisions. Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) president Alok Kumar highlights the inclusivity of the guest list, spanning saints from Dalit and tribal communities, individuals from impoverished families who contribu ..... Read More

Indian American candidate Sen. Niraj Antani raises over $600,000 for Congress bid

Ohio’s Republican State Senator Niraj Antani, now running for the state’s open second district, disclosed raising an impressive $612,348 in just 38 days for his Congressional campaign. The fundraising spanned the 4th quarter, beginning with his announcement on November 14 and concluding on December 31. Notably, this substantial amount was achieved without tapping into general election funds or resorting to self-funding. Expressing gratitude to his supporters, Antani, representing Ohio’s sixth senate district, affirmed his commitment to champion ..... Read More

Anjon Audhya takes the lead in studying crucial proteins

Image – University of Wisconsin–Madison Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, led by Anjon Audhya, are utilizing cutting-edge cell imaging and genome editing technology to investigate the mechanisms employed by a group of proteins in carrying out crucial functions. This breakthrough has the potential to deepen the understanding of various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and those impacting immune function, ultimately contributing to the development of novel treatments. Anjon Audhya, a professor in the Department of Biomolecul ..... Read More

Nikki Haley meets criteria for CNN’s Iowa debate; Vivek Ramaswamy excluded

On January 10, the CNN-hosted Republican Primary debate in Des Moines, Iowa, will feature only Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis, as Donald Trump maintains his tradition of abstaining from debates. Vivek Ramaswamy and Chris Christie did not qualify due to low polling numbers, with CNN’s criteria requiring a minimum of 10% in three separate national and/or Iowa polls. Expressing frustration on X, Ramaswamy criticized CNN for fact-checking conspiracy theories presented in a recent town-hall event. Despite his eligibility, he declared a boycott of the ..... Read More

India Leads Global Premium Smartphone Market Growth in 2023

In Counterpoint’s 2023 report concerning the global premium smartphone market, a notable projection highlights that China, India, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America are on the brink of achieving unprecedented sales records in the premium segment. Particularly noteworthy is the anticipation of India becoming the fastest-growing premium market globally. The report underscores that this surge is predominantly fueled by the ultra-premium category, representing smartphones priced at $1,000 and above, constituting more than a third of total p ..... Read More

India unveils a single-window portal for managing medical devices

The Indian government has launched the National Single Window System (NSWS) to streamline processes related to medical device import, clinical investigations, and testing. Designed by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and initiated by the Centre, NSWS serves as a comprehensive single-window platform, simplifying approval procedures and improving the ease of doing business, according to Mr. Rajeev Raghuvanshi, the drugs controller general of India. This system, developed by TCS, replaces existing platforms like SUGAM and cdscomdonline, facilitatin ..... Read More

Renowned Indian American legal scholar Ved Nanda passes away

On January 1, Professor Ved Prakash Nanda, a distinguished Indian American legal scholar, passed away. Renowned for his contributions to literature and education, he had been honored with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in 2018. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed their condolences on his demise. Professor Nanda, serving as a Distinguished University Professor and Thompson G. Marsh Professor of Law at the University of Denver, Colorado, founded the ..... Read More

Former GOP Representative Steve King endorses Vivek Ramaswamy

On January 2, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy garnered support from former Iowa legislator Steve King. King, who served on key committees until 2019, enthusiastically endorsed Ramaswamy for President, praising his intelligence and principled stance on the Constitution. Expressing a desire for a strong defender of the constitution, King highlighted Ramaswamy’s commitment to restoring American exceptionalism. In an endorsement video, King urged people to caucus for Ramaswamy on January 15, emphasizing his dedication to the people’s rights a ..... Read More

Arun Yogiraj’s crafted Ram Lalla idol selected for Ayodhya temple; details unveiled

After the Ayodhya temple trust finalized the idol of Lord Ram Lalla for consecration, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi announced that Karnataka’s renowned sculptor, Arun Yogiraj, will craft the idol for the grand Ram temple. Former Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa expressed joy, praising the sculptor and expressing pride in the idol’s selection. Arun Yogiraj, inspired by his father and grandfather, embarked on his sculpting journey. Despite a brief corporate stint, his passion for sculpture led him back in 2008. Known ..... Read More